IEDC Holds a Brief, But Productive Meeting Friday

IRONWOOD, MI - Friday, June 19, 2009 - The Ironwood Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) continued to demonstrate how "business friendly" Ironwood is by unanimously voting to assist the newly opened Old World Meats LLC with Revolving Fund Loan for $10,000. The new meat market previously requested $15,000 worth of funding through the Gogebic County EDC with a five year term at 6.5%, and the application with them is pending.

The Revolving Fund Loan will have a three year term at the current prime rate plus one percent, not to exceed 6.5%. The IEDC quickly approved the application after considering the criteria. The applicants were able to demonstrate that they had adequate collateral; they were unable to get reasonable financing through conventional means due to the current downturn in the economy; and the applicants currently employ one person and have plans to add up to eight additional employees in the near future.

IEDC Member John Wyssling pointed out that Old World Meats is well located in the Last Tangle Plaza. He said the location was a perfect fit for the business. He noted that the location wasn't really downtown and it wasn't really highway, but it was centrally located so that it was convenient for just about everybody.

Member Joe Cayer told the Board that the companies timing was perfect noting that Super One in Hurley (the former Copps) just eliminated their butcher window.

When Old World Meats representatives Matt Weber and Don Moore explained that their plans included adding more employees as they expand their business, Member Mark Ruppe pointed out that job creation is a priority with the Board.

Member Dave Ramme made the motion to approve the loan application and John Wyssling seconded Ramme's motion. Before the actual vote was taken, Mark Ruppe asked what products they offer.

Matt Weber answered Ruppe by saying, "We have ribeyes; top sirloin; T-bone; Porterhouse; beef ribs; pork ribs... basically we can sell you any kind of meat that you want. We have a set standard in the shop. We have cheeses; meats; deli meats; milk; rice; grains... basically, it's a one stop shop for everything you need. After work you can stop and pick up basically everything you need for supper and you're on your way."

Ruppe asked if they sold sausages or nibble sticks, to which Weber replied, "Nibble sticks are part of our plan. We'll have nibbles sticks in the fall, we'll do smoking. We make fresh sausage daily. We have brats, salaminis, potato sausage, Italian, Jalepeno, Chorizo... we will do German brats. We are working with different distributors. We have had a number of special orders."

Dan Petersen confessed, "I had the ribeye last night and it was really good!"

According to Weber, the company tries to buy exclusively grass fed, chemical free, certified meats. He said that lamb will be available next month. Ruppe asked what experience the partners in the company had with butchering. Weber confessed that he had no experience, but he has a Masters Degree in business administration and that he basically runs the counter and does the bookkeeping. He told the Board that Don Moore and Mark Raivio have twenty-five years experience as meatcutters.

With a grin on his face, Weber declared, "I can slice cheese!"

"Speaking of cheese," Member Deb Bowles said, "I have a request! If, during the holidays you could find some fresh ricotta cheese, I would really appreciate it!" She explained that quality cheese was essential for her to make good ravioli.

In other business, the Board voted to discontinue renting the Industrial Park billboard to possibly apply the funds used for the sign to purchase better permanent signage at the Park's entrance. The Board will request proposals from the Ironwood Industrial Development Corporation (IIDC) to hear what they think about the new signage and how they want it done.

Dave Ramme proposed that a large Industrial Park sign be erected at the entrance of the park and that smaller individual placards be added and paid for by the individual Industrial Park businesses.

Dan Petersen gave a brief rundown of what is happening with the Industrial Park Spec Building. He explained that there was some talk about pouring a concrete floor in the building. The Board members cautioned that either a very strong floor be poured or that the building remains without a floor until it is determined what kind of business ends up taking the building. Several of the members pointed out that very heavy equipment would required changes to the floor and that it would be better to do nothing until there is interest in the building.

Scott Erickson and Dan Petersen told the Board that they worked out a rough draft of an Request for Proposals on the development of a City-wide website. Petersen explained that a site that would include links and pages that would fully represent the City. Petersen said that he will be meeting with educators from the College and people who would be unlikely to bid on the project for their input.  

Attending today's meeting were members: Jim Huss; Joe Cayer; John Wyssling; Dave Ramme; Scott Erickson; Deb Bowles; and Mark Ruppe. Jim Lorenson and Bob Schonberg were excused. Tom Schneller was absent. This reporter was the only reporter at the meeting.